#peace is literally Scotland about Norway

[pvffinsdaisies]

The UK & Ireland as Taylor Swift songs

ENGLAND: The Archer

“Combat, I’m ready for combat. I say I don’t want that, but what if I do? ‘Cause cruelty wins in the movies, I’ve got a hundred thrown-out speeches I almost said to you.

(…)

I’ve been the archer, I’ve been the prey. Who could ever leave me, darling, but who could stay?

Dark side, I search for your dark side, but what if I’m alright, right, right here? And I cut off my nose just to spite my face, and then I hate my reflection for years and years.

I wake in the night, I pace like a ghost. The room is on fire, invisible smoke. And all of my heroes die all alone, help me hold onto you.

(…)

All the king’s horses, all the king’s men, couldn’t put me together again ‘cause all of my enemies started out friends. Help me hold onto you.”

IRELAND: Mad Woman

“What did you think I’d say to that? Does a scorpion sting when fighting back? They strike to kill, and you know I will. (…)

Every time you call me crazy, I get more crazy. What about that? And when you say I seem angry, I get more angry.

And there’s nothing like a mad woman; what a shame she went mad. No one likes a mad woman; you made her like that. And you poke that bear til the claws come out, and you find something to wrap your noose around. And there’s nothing like a mad woman.

Now I breathe flames each time I talk, my canons all firing at your yacht. They say “move on”, but you know I won’t. And women like hunting witches too, doing your dirtiest work for you. It’s obvious that wanting me dead has really brought you two together.

(…)

I’m taking my time, taking my time, cause you took everything from me. Watching you climb, watching you climb, over people like me. The master of spin has a couple side flings, good wives always know. And she should be mad, should be scathing like me but

No one likes a mad woman.”

NORTHERN IRELAND: Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me?

“The who’s who of ‘who’s that?’ Is poised for the attack, but my bare hands paved their path. You don’t get to tell me about ‘sad’

(…)

The scandal was contained, the bullet had just grazed. At all costs, keep your good name. You don’t get to tell me you feel bad.

Is it a wonder I broke? Let’s hear one more joke, then we could all just laugh until I cry.

(…)

So tell me everything is not about me, but what if it is? Then say they didn’t do it to hurt me, but what if they did? I wanna snarl and show you just how disturbed this has made me. You wouldn’t last an hour in the asylum where they raised me. So all you kids can sneak into my house with all the cobwebs- I’m always drunk on my own tears, isn’t that what they all said- then I’ll sue you if you step on my lawn. That is fearsome and I’m wretched and I’m wrong. Put narcotics into all of my songs, and that’s why you’re still singing along.

So I leap from the gallows and I levitate down your street. Crash the wedding like a record scratch as I scream, “Who’s afraid of little old me?” I was tame, I was gentle ‘til the circus life made me mean, “don’t you worry, folks, we took out all her teeth!” Who’s afraid of little old me? Well, you should be.

SCOTLAND: Peace

“But I’m a fire and I’ll keep your brittle heart warm if your cascade ocean-wave blues come. All these people think love’s for show, but i would die for you in secret. The devil’s in the details, but you got a friend in me. Would it be enough if I could never give you peace?

Your integrity makes me seem small; you paint dreamscapes on the wall, I talk shit with my friends. It’s like I’m wasting your honour.

And you know that I’d swing with you for the fences, sit with you in the trenches. Give you my wild, give you a child. Give you the silence that only comes when two people understand each other, family that I chose now that I see your brother as my brother. Is it enough?

But there’s robbers to the east, clowns to the west. I’d give you my sunshine, give you my best, but the rain is always gonna come if you’re standing with me.”

WALES: Seven

“Please, picture me in the trees, I hit my peak at seven feet in the swing, over the creek. I was too scared to jump in, but I, I was high in the sky, with Pennsylvania under me, are there still beautiful things?

Sweet tea in the summer. Cross your heart, won’t tell no other. And though I can’t recall your face, I still got love for you. Your braid’s like a pattern, love you to the moon and to Saturn. Passed down like folk songs, the love lasts so long.

And I’ve been meaning to tell you, I think your house is haunted. Your dad is always mad, and that must be why. And I think you should come live with me and we can be pirates, then you won’t have to cry or hide in the closet. And just like a folk song, our love will be passed on.

Please, picture me in the weeds, before I learnt civility. I used to scream ferociously anytime I wanted.”

[sukunas-play-thing]

I jus have to ask. Do you have an OC for my hero academia???? What's their name/ life like? I wanna get inside your head and know what u got in-store for us all. Plllllssssssssssss my amazing person.

Oh my gosh yes I do anon bean. She's still in the making. When I first wrote her she was a mere cross over oc. And I am trying to keep it in universe canon so had to scrap everything I had written.

Her name is Selim Unfrid.

Selim is the name from Arabic meaning "safe" and "undamaged". The name unfrid is an Norman family name of Viking origin name meaning "the one who gives peace"

Norman family name is spelled as onfroy, onfroi. Unfrid is Scandinavian origin.

I kept her fathers origin. He's known as the beast hero: Minotaur

He legit turns into this Badass minotaur.

Her mother is a witch whom has a quirk that allows her to control her blood at will in battle. (Similar to Deadman wonderlands Branch of Sin but completely different origin)

Selim inherited her moms witch lifestyle and quirk but has her dads temper and strength.

And as you might have guessed Selims family is from Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿. And has Viking heritage in her family. I haven't decided if I wanted to make her student becoming a hero or a villain quite yet to be in fact.

Originally I thought of her dad being a huge ass but the thought of her having a big burly Scandinavian old man dote and look after his daughter with his booming voice and deep heavy Scot accent just made me melt.

Her dad doesn't believe in relying on quirk alone to get the job done, only to use it against villains with long range attacks or body changing quirks that allow one to change size and or forms. So her father trained her physical strength using a Viking wrestling method called Glima. Glima is the name that covers several types of Nordic folk wrestling practiced as sport and combat. In one common form of glima, players grip their opponent by the waist and attempt to throw them to the ground using technique rather than force. Other variants allow for more aggression.

The key to this technique is to take down the enemy as quick and swiftly as possible. Glima literally means "with a glimpse".

She's very upfront with people and honest. Only a complete dick when the situation calls for it.

She has a license and owns a beat up old red suicide door Chevy truck. And yes her father paid to get it shipped to Japan when they moved from Texas (they moved alot because her father is mostly a humanitarian hero who moves from country to country to expand his hero agency and helps with world epidemics. Such as ending world hunger and helping countries affected by natural disasters and the like. The mans p much the National Guard. )

They lived in Brazil, Norway, Australia, And the US. Her main language is Scottish/Gaelic and is multilingual. Can speak multiple languages such as Spanish, German, Italian, English and Japanese (very little though she struggles alot especially with her heavy Scot accent **don't hate poor baby is trying**

Selim owns a cat

She loves heavy metal and rock music (how she learned English so fast and well while living in Texas. She gained a redneck personality from there. Loves going mudding).

Her favorite food is Haggis.

Haggis is a savoury pudding containing sheep's pluck, minced with onion, oatmeal, suet, spices, and salt, mixed with stock, and cooked while traditionally encased in the animal's stomach though now often in an artificial casing instead.

She does have tattoos. (With her parents permission) she has an Odin tatooine sleeve on her right arm, above his head on her upper arm is yggdrasil (Tree of life) and wrapping around the tree trunk is the serpent Jormungandr. And above her right breast is Odins horns. Also called three horned triskelion.

Loves to read thriller, horror and crime books.

Has a bestie that lives in Brazil. Selim used to be a cheerleader. No not those types you'd see at football games. This gal was aiming for the world championships.

She loves to dance because of it and now can't go a day without dancing. She plans on becoming a professional dancer. She's got so much soul when she dances.

Her favorite band is Slipknot and Blue Stahli. (Never heard? Gotta check em out)

She plays racing games (like need for speed carbon) and RPG pc games.

She so spunky and cares deeply for those she cares about. Calls them her "familia "

Her mom owns her own shop where she makes spells, potions, and hand crafts anything and everything witchy. She even wrote her own handbook on Witchcraft and teaches a class for beginners looking into said craft.

Her mom does palmesrty. And reads tarot cards. Unfortunately she gets those who asks her for readings over the most rediculous things. Momma had to up her prices. She's a very humble women and wants what's best for her daughter. Unfortunately the poor woman worries for her daughter because she takes after her dad way too much.

I love the name Stoick and Volka. The names used for Hiccups parents in How to train your dragon but refrained from using the same names. Their names are still in the making too.

That's all I have for Selim. I went hella overboard writing this post. It just. Omg I'm so happy someone's asked me if I had an OC been wanting to flex on my love of Viking stories and knowledge hope you all love her as much as I do. I have been thinking about giving her a sibling too. Probably will brainstorm that idea later. So sorry... Not many will probably read this lol. Now I'm nervous shit.

🐲Queen Targe🐲

[sparky373]

My Brexit Post

https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/241584 Over 5 million signatures. Hopefully you've signed it already. If you haven't, hopefully this post will help persuade you.

I've debated with people and shared a lot of posts about brexit but I figured I should actually explain my views.

I believe very strongly that we are better off in the EU than not. I honestly think the best course of action would be to ask the EU for an extension of a long enough time to carry out a Peoples Vote that would hopefully come out with remain as the dominant choice.

The position we are in now is precarious to say the least. We are on the cliff edge of dropping out of the EU without a deal. Some may say that's not a bad thing. I disagree. So let’s go through this point by point:

Trade Pretty much any expert who's looked at it says leaving the EU already has and will cause economic damage. Leaving without a deal would be far worse. Just by leaving we are weakening our position in the world. We will no longer be part of a 600 million strong trading block.

For those who don't understand why this is bad think about Unions. Before they existed labour conditions and pay were much worse than now. Unions prove that banding together in collective bargaining is much more effective that trying to strike deals on your own. The EU together is able to strike much more beneficial deals than individual countries on their own. Following that logic any deal we strike post brexit will not be as good as we had in the EU. Going into negotiations with larger economies like China and the US we will be at a BIG disadvantage and will get far less favourable terms than we currently enjoy.

May's current deal has us leaving the customs union and the single market. Currently we enjoy frictionless, tariff free trade with EU countries. And an exit that takes us out of those adds expensive barriers to trading with our largest import/export partner. Fees that businesses themselves will have to pay. (Hence why a lot of small & Medium businesses are worried about this)

Movement Given there are millions of british people living abroad in the EU. Free movement is something that has benefited UK citizens. Post brexit their future is uncertain.

Ever wanted to retire to Spain or France? We leave the EU and it gets much harder. Seen a job in the EU or been offered one? Prepare to have to go through visa processes that we don't have to at the minute. Want to visit non-EU countries? All our travel agreements are as an EU country so those will have to be redone.

But it works both ways. The UK relies on EU citizens coming over here to work. The NHS? All those jobs you don't want to do or think beneath you? Seasonal workers? propped up by EU citizens. It will be harder and there will be less incentive for them to come over post brexit even ignoring the seemingly rising xenophobia.

Laws People say we don't have control of our laws. We do for the vast majority of things. Parliament forcing amendments through so May had to get approval for the deal rather than negotiating in secret and forcing through something no one agreed with? Our government did that with their sovereignty. Some stuff does come from the EU. For example the EU working hours directive that stops companies making us work over 48 hours a week without our explicit consent. Tell me with a straight face a tory government would have implemented that without being forced to. And even the stuff that comes from the EU we have a say in. We are an EU member. That means we get a seat at the table and we get to vote on and if necessary veto EU legislation Those MEPs we send over. That’s their job. If they’re not doing it (*cough* Farage) it's not the EUs responsibility. It's ours. we vote those people out and replace them with people who will do their job just like with the UK parliament.

Leaving the EU means we'd still have to follow their regulations when trading with them. If we leave but stay in the single market or customs union we still have to follow their regulations. There's just one difference: We'd no longer have a say in making those laws!

What’s the phrase? Oh yh: You've got to be in it to win it.

When Washington D.C. is asking for statehood and complaining about taxation without representation, why are we actively trying to put ourselves in that position?

People seem convinced we'll leave and be able to strike the best possible deal with the EU. The best possible deal? We've already got it. Norway model? Switzerland? Turkey? Canada? WTO? All worse than what we currently enjoy.

Am I saying the EU is this perfect utopia? No Do I think the best option is to stay in the EU, have a say, and change it for the better from within? Hell yes.

More and more people are realising that leaving is not the right thing to do. So why are we still on a course to crash out with no deal?

The referendum There are many reasons Leave took the referendum: Some people have legitimate concerns, some people are racist, others voted not for brexit but as a protest, others because of all the fearmongering and lies. The argument that the country voted for our current situation is patently false. The referendum asked leave or remain (a stupidly simple question for such a complex issue)

It did not ask do you want to leave without a deal? It did not ask do you want to leave regardless of what the deal is?

Some people have legitimate concerns about the EU, fair enough but is it not better to stay and try to fix those issues than leave and cause uncertainty and major economic harm.

Some people, by their own admission on camera, voted leave not because they wanted to leave the EU, but as a protest against the government. They did not vote for Mays deal. They did not vote for no deal.

Some people voted leave because they believed the lies peddled by the leave campaign and the media. Many, when the falsehoods were exposed, said they would have voted differently. They do not want Mays deal. They do not want no deal.

David Cameron did not promise the referendum because he wanted people to have a choice about EU membership. He promised it because he feared losing seats to UKIP. The Tories played party politics with huge generational changes, thinking Leave wouldn’t possibly win, and they lost.

The media splashed the lies all over their pages not because they thought them true but because the wanted to sell papers and rich people didn’t want to be subject to upcoming EU legislation attacking tax havens.

All the big names and CEOs that told you Leaving was the best choice? The vast majority of them are moving overseas to avoid the harm. Funny that.

Let’s take a look at the lies: £350 million a week for the nhs? Lie we can put the money we currently pay into the EU to our own people? So far what’s being promised is less than now. e.g. stronger towns fund. Lie No one’s talking about leaving the single market or the customs union? Lie Brexit will be a breeze with no downsides? Lie We'll be better off on our own? So far it looks to be a lie Britain will still be open for business? Even before we leave we are already losing jobs as companies and organisations move to other EU countries so they can maintain access to that market rather than stay here.

The leave campaigns were fined for their lies A court declared that if the referendum hadn't been advisory it would have been struck down because of the lies So why are we still ploughing ahead?

Demographics If you look at the distribution of votes in the referendum it was overwhelmingly the case that older voters voted to leave while younger people voted to remain. The people that would have to live the longest with the result wanted to stay. While the people who wouldn't have to deal with it for long wanted to leave. If you look at eligible voters a fair amount of the older people have died since the referendum, meanwhile there are a lot of people who were too young to vote then that are now eligible. These are people who are having brexit thrust upon them without having had a say. The demographics have shifted; The vast majority of polls now show that remain would win if the people were asked again. You can understand why younger people think the older generation fucked us over.

ReMOANers There's a common brexiteer argument that remainers are to blame for the current situation. 'They didn’t accept the result and get behind it', 'They're sabotaging brexit'

To them I say: Shut Up

In any other situation if you see someone putting themselves on a course that will harm people you try to stop it. Even if they don't see it as harm. It would be antithetical of me to just let someone walk off a cliff, and people would judge me if I did. So why is this any different?

Ireland The Good Friday Agreement is the treaty that has kept peace in Ireland and stopped 'The Troubles'. The UK government is legally required to uphold it. No-one wants to see it fail. But that's what brexit will cause. Part of the agreement states that there must be regulatory alignment and no hard border. It is literally impossible to leave the EU fully and honour that.

Leave the EU completely, including the customs union and single market? Hard border, regulatory differences. Agreement broken

Have a border in the Irish sea? Divides Great Britain and Northern Ireland potentially causing a breakup of the UK which no one wants and causes a whole heap of issues (after all Scotland voted remain in their independence referendum after being promised by David Cameron that we'd stay in the EU)

Stay in the single market and Customs Unions? People will complain we didn’t leave fully, we still have to follow laws & regs but have no say in them

Stay in the EU? Agreement intact, best possible deal.

There's a reason why Ireland and the backstop have been and continue to be such a difficult topic. Because it is next to impossible to reconcile leaving the EU and keeping the Good Friday Agreement intact.

Membership fees People cite the fees we pay, as reason for leaving. They think we pay in more than they pay back. And yet those same people don’t say the same about spotify, netflix, internet, TV,... Because people recognise that there are more benefits to a membership than how much investment you get. The access to trade partners, the say in law-making. The economic and political benefits we get from being in the EU are massive and if anything are more than worth the fees we pay.

Theresa May Right now Theresa May is being a gigantic hypocrite. The (non-binding advisory) referendum? once in a lifetime, the people have spoken, brexit is the will of the people and must be carried out no matter what

Her defeated deal? Brought back to parliament as many times as she can get away with until MPs vote her way. Holding the country hostage against the cliff edge of no deal. Spewing hate that is getting MPs who don't agree with her assaulted in the streets

It is not undemocratic to ask people if they've changed their mind, especially when circumstances have changed. If anything it is supremely democratic.

The people voted to leave? They voted based on lies. They did not vote for Mays deal, they did not vote for no deal so how is it wrong to go back to the country and ask if they're ok with what has been negotiated or if they want to do something else?

In fact given people had so many different views of what brexit would be, none of the options for leaving commanded a majority.

The people want you to get on with brexit? Data says they don't.

If nothing else revoking Article 50 gives us time to work things out without the cloud of uncertainty and damage hanging over us. In a situation such as this is it not better to stay in a position of safety and keep the status quo, rather than jumping off a cliff and hoping there's a land of mattresses at the bottom?

Brexit was never going to be a good thing, the people telling you it would be lied to you. It's not a bad thing to admit you were wrong or that you fell for their fantasy. What is bad is refusing to admit when you're wrong to the detriment of yourself and everyone else .

The deal that we have at the moment ceases to exist if we leave. If we get out and then decide we made a mistake and want back in, then that deal no longer exists. We go back in as a normal member. No rebate, no opt-outs, none of the extras that we have now.

Hopefully these arguments will have helped you realise that we're better off in the EU and we should revoke Article 50

If not, then I don't know what to say and I doubt anything will change your mind.

Sometimes when something goes wrong in a plane, a fighter pilot refuses to eject thinking they can fix the issue. Right until they hit the ground. Don't be that pilot.

For those of you that have, I'll link to the petition again. Given Theresa May's stubborn refusal to even entertain the idea of a People's Vote, this may be our only chance at saving the country we all love.

For those who don't want to leave but don't think signing will do anything, even if it doesn't work at least you can look yourself in the eye and say you didn't stand idly by while the country went to shit.

https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/241584

[weavingthetapestry]

The Battle of Largs and the Treaty of Perth, Part 3

(Reading time- roughly 16 minutes, here are parts 1 and 2)

A fair wind saw the Norwegian fleet reach Shetland within days, where it put into Bressay for a couple of weeks before continuing on to Orkney. There Hakon IV remained for the rest of July, negotiating with the inhabitants of Caithness across the Pentland Firth (who paid the king’s tax to avoid trouble), while sending some of his fleet further south to plunder in the Moray Firth. After around a month spent in the Northern Isles, demonstrating his lordship, the king then set sail again on the 10th of August, rounding Cape Wrath and joining up with the galleys of Magnus Olafsson, King of Mann, on the way south. The whole fleet now sailed unchecked through the Inner Hebrides, passing the recently devastated island of Skye and stopping briefly in Lochalsh, before moving on to the island of Kerrera, where Alexander II of Scotland had died of an illness just over fourteen years before, during his own Hebridean expedition. There, Hakon split his force in half again, and himself sailed a way further south to the island of Gigha, opposite the Kintyre peninsula (on the Scottish mainland).

On Gigha, the Norwegian king once again set about demonstrating his lordship. A friar who came to ask that his monastery be spared was granted royal protection. Angus Mor MacDonald of Islay and a certain Murchad (possibly Murchadh MacSween) also journeyed to meet the king there and swore fealty, however their allegiance was obviously suspect and they were obliged to give hostages for the safety of their territory. The other major Island magnate to appear at Gigha was less ready to side with the Norwegian king; Ewen MacDougall of Argyll had learnt from his earlier troubles and, though for some reason he still met with King Hakon in Gigha, he steadfastly refused to break his new oath to the king of Scots, and was temporarily arrested.

Though the loyalty of the Hebridean lords who came to Gigha was hardly inspiring, Hakon was not without allies in the west. The other half of his fleet were plundering Kintyre at this time, and these galleys were partly commanded by Irish sea magnates, namely Magnus Olafsson, the Crovan king of Mann, and Dubhgall mac Ruadhrí, now sole king of the Isles (as far as Norway was concerned). Lesser men also joined the campaign as the Norwegian fleet passed through the Isles, though in some cases this may have been in order to settle personal scores or win plunder. Dunaverty Castle in Kintyre was also surrendered to the king of Norway around this time. A smaller ship sent ahead by the king even managed to take the Stewart stronghold of Rothesay on Bute, and several villages there were burnt. Meanwhile King Hakon received more visitors at Gigha, messengers from Irish lords who had heard of his coming and begged assistance against the English. The king sent men across to Ireland to find out more, but for now continued on his original mission; recalling his entire fleet, he rounded the Mull of Kintyre soon after and finally sailed into the Firth of Clyde.

(This is a very crowded diagram but should hopefully help)

While his ships lay in Lamlash Bay, sheltered between Arran and the Holy Isle, Hakon was approached by Dominican friars: messengers from Alexander III of Scotland, then at Ayr. For some time thereafter envoys went between the two monarchs, attempting to negotiate a peace. Ewen of Argyll was also released with surprising goodwill, and even given gifts; it is possible that Hakon hoped Ewen would persuade the king of Scots towards peace, but still odd that he does not seem to have been seriously punished for his earlier disloyalty. Eventually though, the talks floundered- Hakon would not relinquish the Western Isles and Alexander particularly refused to part with Arran, Bute, and the Cumbraes. The Scots may also have been playing for time, knowing that the season was growing late and the weather worsening. Eventually King Hakon moved across to the Cumbraes, implicitly threatening the adjacent Ayrshire coast, and gave the Scots a last chance to negotiate seriously, with both kings present, or meet in battle. The Scots did not falter at this threat however, and the Norwegians swiftly retaliated by sending forty galleys up Loch Long to harry Scotland, under the command of Magnus, king of Mann, and Dubhgall, king of the Isles, along with the latter’s brother Alan mac Ruadhrí and other islesmen. Having burnt Loch Lomond and the Lennox, Alan Mac Ruadhrí’s contingent may have penetrated even further into the country: the earldom of Menteith bordered the Lennox and was possibly an appealing target since it was held de jure uxoris by Walter Stewart. Even Stirling Castle seems to have been placed on a war footing, and was perhaps a base of operations for those defending against Alan’s incursion.

However, while this assault was possibly too close to the heart of the kingdom for comfort, the Scots were ultimately to weather the storm- quite literally, as the predicted bad weather now set in, and a violent storm just after Michaelmas wrecked ten of the galleys in Loch Long. It also played havoc with the fleet in the Firth, scattering many ships and causing even Kristsuden, King Hakon’s dragon-prowed longship, to drift despite being weighed down with eight anchors. Several longships, as well as a supply ship, drifted ashore, where they were harassed by Scottish arrows, though the Scots withdrew when King Hakon sent boats to reinforce the stranded men. The next day, the 2nd of October, the king himself went ashore with several hundred men to supervise the salvaging of the goods on the supply ship. He also sent one of his more active captains, Ogmund Crowdance, with two hundred men to a small mound above the beach. The work proceeded without much incident until the supply ship was almost empty, when suddenly a Scottish army was spotted, approaching swiftly from the south. Even taking into account the possibility of Norwegian exaggeration, the Scottish host seems to have been reasonably large for an army which was presumably only one of several such forces put on alert along the coast. Norwegian estimates of perhaps as many as five hundred well-mounted knights may not have been far off the mark, and these were reinforced by a much larger number of foot soldiers, carrying mostly bows and Irish axes. The Scots made such an impressive spectacle that some assumed their king was among them. In fact the army was most likely led by the major local magnate Alexander Stewart, the High Steward of Scotland, and perhaps also his brother Walter, Earl of Menteith, who may have been Sheriff of Ayr at this time and whose role would have been to lead the common army.

(Not my picture)

Moving quickly, the Scots made a feint on Ogmund Crowdance’s position atop the mound, possibly attempting to cut his force off from the beach. To avoid being surrounded, the men on the mound descended to the beach, though some of the Norwegians thought they were retreating and fled in turn. Now, King Hakon’s followers pleaded with him to return to the ships, and though he initially refused, he was eventually compelled to board one of the boats and be rowed away. Meanwhile, the Scots advanced, flinging arrows and stones, while the Norwegians abandoned the supply-ship and fell back, some of them drowning when the boats they tried to escape in sank. Others met their attackers in battle, and a violent skirmish ensued where the Norwegians were outnumbered and several of King Hakon’s guardsmen fell, though Sturla Thordarson's saga claims the Scots lost more men. When the Norwegians regrouped, it was the Scots’ turn to withdraw and, after a long period of fighting, retreat, while the Norwegians, with no wish to fight further, returned to the sea, rowing back to their ships with great difficulty in the stormy conditions. The next morning, some Norwegians were sent back to count the dead, and bury them in a nearby church, (the Scots had had time to remove many of their dead to a wood). Meanwhile, the galleys that had been sent to raid up Loch Long rejoined the main fleet, and, after sending men to burn the ships that had been beached near Largs, King Hakon sailed back to Arran with his fleet. When brought news of Irish affairs by the messenger he had earlier sent, Hakon seems to have been of a mind to sail over to Ireland to help against the English, but was strongly opposed by his army, who seem to have been largely against prosecuting yet another war. Thus frustrated, Hakon sailed out of the Firth of Clyde, deciding to postpone his campaign till spring.

This then was the famous ‘Battle of Largs’, more accurately an inconclusive tussle on the beach in which most of the Norwegian force was not present, and the Scots were not gloriously victorious. The main near-contemporary source for the campaign is Sturla Thordarson’s saga of the life of Hakon Hakonarsson, and Sturla never explicitly attributes a victory to either side, though he does claim at points that the Scots had the worst of the fighting. The Scottish Chronicle of Melrose was as eager to attribute Norwegians' defeat to the hand of God (wrecking their fleet and spreading disease among them) as to Scottish military might. Thus the fight on the beach at Largs, at least of itself, does not seem to have struck any contemporary writers as particularly game-changing. This did not prevent later writers waxing lyrical upon the subject though. John of Fordun gives the number of Hakon’s fighting men as 20,000 which seems somewhat exaggerated (though the tally of ships is given as 160, which is likely near enough) and portrays the event as an unambiguous Scottish triumph where the royal army ‘swept down many [Norwegians], both nobles and serfs’. Fordun’s continuator Walter Bower added yet more to the story, thousands of Norwegians were slain in the 'severe battle' at Largs, and that King Hakon himself barely escaped with his life. Bower even adds a story of the spirit of St Margaret (with her husband and several sons) personally going to Largs to defend Scotland from ‘the usurper who is unjustly trying to subject my kingdom to his rule’. Some later historians were rather more discerning (Lord Hailes thankfully being one of them to an extent) but others, especially nineteenth century popular historians, raised the profile of the battle in the imagination of many Scots, with Taylor’s Pictorial History (for one) naming it as one of the most important ‘national’ events in Scottish history, thus placing it on a par with Stirling Bridge and Bannockburn. This approach is now rightly seen by most modern historians as something of a misrepresentation, at the very least.

(The mural designed by William Brassey Hole that depicts the Battle of Largs may be seen at the National Gallery of Scotland. Not my picture)

Nonetheless Largs does assume greater importance if considered in a wider context, both of the 1263 campaign and Hakon IV’s reputation. Though at first glance the Norwegian campaign seems impressive, with several castles taken, Hakon’s fleet accompanied by key Hebridean magnates, and his followers raiding the interior of the Scottish kingdom, there are in fact signs that it was a rather hollow effort. On several occasions, Hakon had been opposed or even overruled by his own men, while he had allowed Ewen MacDougall's defection to go largely unpunished. His army had attacked the Scottish mainland, but, crucially, Scotland weathered this assault, and nor were the Scots cowed, as others had been, by the sight of Hakon’s fleet in the Firth of Clyde nor by his threats of war. Hakon did not make another attempt on the mainland after Largs, preferring to postpone his campaign for the winter- a wise move in view of the weather, and the Scots' readiness to withstand assault, but it meant relinquishing his advantage. There were wider problems too. As Hakon sailed north again he rewarded his men, but it soon became clear that the Scots would simply exact revenge upon his adherents as soon as the Norwegians were out of the way. The Scottish Crown, stronger now than in 1098 and ruthlessly intent on expansion, was able to put pressure on the Hebrides in a way that Norway, due to both distance and resources, simply could not match in the long term. King Alexander III could also rely on stronger (if often self-serving) support from local magnates- when King Hakon stopped at Kerrera on his way north, he received news that Ewen of Argyll had attacked Mull, while later some of his men who went ashore in Sutherland were killed by Scots. Even as Hakon’s fleet sailed to Orkney, intending to winter there and then resume the campaign, it must have been clear that this would be an increasingly difficult undertaking. Certainly, Sturla Thordarson’s claim that, ‘In this expedition, king Hakon had won back again all the dominions that king Magnus Bareleg had acquired’, was not entirely truthful.

For now, Hakon dismissed some of his army upon returning to Orkney (though others went without leave), but soon the king’s campaign was brought to a more permanent end. Ever since summer, he had suffered intermittently from sickness, and now he became seriously ill, taking to his bed in the Bishop’s Palace at Kirkwall just after Martinmas. Though his health improved briefly, it soon deteriorated again and, as it became clear to the king that he was dying, he put his affairs in order, paying off retainers and writing advisory letters to his son, the lately crowned King Magnus, having affirmed that he had no other offspring living. Meanwhile, books were read to him day and night- first the Bible and then, as he grew weaker, works in Norse, the saints’ lives and, after, the sagas of kings. Sturla Thordarson writes that this continued until the saga of Hakon’s grandfather, Sverre, was finished near midnight on the 15th of December. Just after midnight, King Hakon finally passed. He was not yet sixty, but had ruled Norway for forty-six years. In the course of his long reign he achieved an end to the bitter civil wars that had divided Norway for over a century, and was also highly educated and a formidable military leader, who, for better or for worse, left Norway a much reformed kingdom. It was his misfortune to die in the middle of an ultimately disappointing campaign, which, if not before, was now definitely a failure. His body was returned to Bergen in the new year, where it was met by his son Magnus and interred in Christ Church. Meanwhile, the news of Hakon's death was allegedly brought to Alexander III of Scotland on the same day that his queen Margaret of England, gave birth to a son and heir Prince Alexander**.

While the Norwegians buried their king, the Scots wasted no time in pressing their advantage. Before Hakon’s body was even cold in the ground, the Earl of Ross was menacing Caithness on behalf of the Crown, while in the summer of 1264 Alan Durward and the earls of Buchan and Mar invaded the Isles, receiving Angus Mor of Islay’s submission. An invasion of the Isle of Man was only prevented by King Magnus Olafsson personally journeying to Dumfries to do homage to the King of Scots for the island; the submission of the man who had been such an active supporter of King Hakon only the previous year is a particularly strong example of the way the wind was blowing in 1264. Later, Alan Mac Ruadhrí would also come into King Alexander’s peace, though his brother King Dubhgall remained at large and in defiance of the Scottish Crown until his death in 1268, possibly in exile in Norway.

In light of all this- both the constant Scottish pressure on Norwegian possessions in the Hebrides and the recent loss of his father- it is little wonder that King Magnus of Norway was sick of the war in the west, as were many of his subjects. The Orcadians were the first to sue for peace, and the bishop and chancellor of Orkney sent messengers to the king of Scots as early as spring of 1264. These messengers were not at all successful however, as the Scots imprisoned some of the envoys and angrily accused the Norwegians of burning and plundering their land- which may seem somewhat rich coming from Scotland but it seems to me like the Scots were utilising a sense of righteous indignation while flexing their negotiating muscles and holding out for better terms than a mere suspension of hostilities. In any case, later on when the King of Norway himself sent envoys they were more readily welcomed, and the Scots seemed amenable to peace, recommending that the Norwegian king send more messengers in the future. Now negotiations proceeded more smoothly, with the two countries frequently exchanging emissaries over the next couple of years. Eventually King Magnus seems to have come to the opinion that only the permanent surrender of the Hebrides would ensure peace, but the Norwegians would not walk away empty-handed from this deal as it was decided that the Scots would pay a yearly fee for the islands- what is often known as the ‘annual’. Thus the Treaty of Perth was ratified in 1266, with the Scots agreeing to pay an annual fee of a hundred marks for the Hebrides and the Isle of Man, and King Alexander paying four thousand marks up front ‘for greater security’. Conflict between Norway and Scotland was finally brought to an end, and Scottish sovereignty over the Western Isles and Mann formally established.

Though some Scottish histories, having reached this point, like to shuffle the Western Isles offstage again until the Battle of Harlaw in 1411, the Treaty of Perth was only the start of a very new relationship between the Hebrides and the Scottish Crown, while the Isle of Man also went through considerable change in the century that followed. In fact, as Scotland entered an extended period of civil strife in the fourteenth century, the isles once again saw the rebirth of a strong, semi-independent political entity in the form of the Lordship of the Isles, and continued to take a distinctively Hebridean stance in Irish sea politics in the centuries that followed. But in 1266 the balance of power in the Atlantic certainly shifted, and Norway’s ability to insert itself into the political affairs of the British Isles was massively reduced, even despite their possession of Orkney and Shetland. By the early fourteenth century Norwegian politics had definitively shifted away from a focus on the west, while Scotland was now an increasingly centralised and coherent kingdom, at least officially, and this would become increasingly apparent over the course of the late thirteenth and fourteenth centuries. With the exception of the Northern Isles (and later the loss of Berwick-upon-Tweed and Man), the borders of the Scottish kingdom by the end of the reign of Alexander III were much more similar to the way they look today, and the annexation of the Western Isles had an immeasurable effect on the way in which that country was viewed both by its inhabitants and the outside world.

*It is worth noting briefly England’s position in all this. Fractured by civil war at this point, the English were essentially unable to capitalise on Norwegian defeat, and it may well have turned out to be a good time for Norwegian intervention in Ireland if Hakon had gone through with it. Also, in 1262 Henry III wrote a very interesting letter to the king of Norway begging him not to invade the British Isles, which has been the source of much speculation since. 

**Prince Alexander of course died in 1284, following the deaths of his sister, brother and mother. Alexander III died in 1286, and his granddaughter- Hakon IV’s great-granddaughter- Margaret of Norway died, like her great-grandfather, in Kirkwall in 1290- this crisis of the succession indirectly led to the Wars of Independence.

Selected References for all three parts:

“Early Sources of Scottish History,’ Volume II, A.O. Anderson (sources such as the Icelandic Annals, Sturla Thordarson’s saga of Hakon Hakonarsson, the Chronicle of Melrose, the Chronicle of Mann, and several Irish Annals)

‘Chronica Gentis Scotorum’, by John of Fordun (trans. W.F. Skene)

‘Scotichronicon’, by Walter Bower (trans. D.E.R. Watt)

‘The Kingdom of the Isles’, R. Andrew McDonald

‘Kingship and Unity’, G.W.S. Barrow

‘Domination and Lordship, Scotland 1070-1230′, Richard Oram

‘The Wars of Scotland, 1214-1371′, Michael Brown

‘The Army of Alexander III’s Scotland’, G.W.S. Barrow in ‘Scotland in the Reign of Alexander III’, ed. Norman H. Reid

‘Norwegian Sunset- Scottish Dawn: Hakon IV and Alexander III’, by Edward J. Cowan (also in the above)

‘Alexander II’, Richard Oram

‘The Norwegian Invasion of Scotland in 1263: A Translation from Det Norske Folks Historie’ P.A. Munch

And others

[cynthiabryanuk]

10 Europe adventures for the young at heart

Think you’ve seen it all (and got the t-shirt)? Even the most seasoned travellers will admit they’ve probably only scraped the surface when it comes to exploring this big, wide world. Europe alone has a vast number of travel experiences to enjoy, which will delight and surprise in equal measure, so you’re not done yet!

In 2019, the more mature travellers are showing the younger ones how it’s done and, having more trips under their belt, are not afraid of getting their hands dirty and trying something new. So, here at Holiday Lettings we’ve rounded up 10 amazing adventures in Europe for the young at heart, from favourites like the Lake District to less-trodden places in Norway.

Ride the Glacier Express in Switzerland

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It might be called an ‘express’ train, but it’s actually the slowest in the world! But with stunningly beautiful views of alpine valleys, snow-capped mountains and dramatic bridges en route, why would you want to hurry? This unforgettable journey connects the railway stations of the two major mountain resorts of Zermatt and St. Moritz, so you could stay at a rental in both destinations, breaking up your holiday with trip on the train. Getting from A to B has never looked so good!

Pick a place in Zermatt or St. Moritz

Culinary adventures in Tuscany

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Treat your tastebuds to a food tour of Tuscany! With its extraordinary countryside, glorious coast, fabulous rustic food, and some of the world’s best art, Tuscany is a must for anyone looking for adventure. Expand your repertoire with a cookery class, where you’ll learn the basics to take home as an everlasting souvenir. Have a go at some of the region’s best-loved dishes, like Panzaletta and Ribollita, made with lashings of olive oil (harvested from groves scattered across the countryside). And for an extra-special treat, sample the rare and expensive truffle while you’re there.

Select a delicious break in Tuscany

Scale Snowdon in Wales

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While Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa in Welsh) is the highest mountain in Wales and England, reaching its summit might not be as challenging as you might imagine. There are six different routes to the top of this 1,085 metre giant, all varying in difficulty. Maybe choose one of the ‘easier’ ones, such as the Ranger Path or the Llanberis Path, and take your time, making a day of it and soaking in those amazing views. Alternatively, journey to the summit on the Snowdon Mountain Railway where you can sit back and snap a few photos of the majestic landscape.

See all rentals in Snowdonia National Park

Ski in Chamonix, France

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Known as one of the best freeride resorts in the world, Chamonix is perfect for adventurous travellers of all ages. With its five diverse ski resorts – La Flégère, Les Houches, Le Tour/Balme, Grands Montets and Le Brevent – there’s hours of fun to be had, whether you’re taking to the slopes for the first time or if you’ve been skiing for years. And it’s not just skiing on offer here; climbing, hiking, mountain biking and sightseeing are all popular pastimes in this beautiful Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.

Choose a snow-covered rental in Chamonix

Go walking in the Lake District

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“I wandered lonely as a cloud, That floats on high o’er vales and hills…”. From the peaceful walking routes of Wordsworth’s Grasmere to the dramatic and exhilarating hikes of Scafell Pike, the Lake District is one of the most awe-inspiring places in the world. It’s easy to fall under its spell when you look out over the mountains, so you might find yourself being drawn back here, year after year. And after a day spent exploring the beautiful waterfalls and woodlands nearby, why not find a cosy pub or a quaint cafe where you can enjoy some well-earned refreshment?

Book a holiday rental in the Lake District

Bask in Bled, Slovenia

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With its sparkling lake, iconic fairy-tale church and medieval castle, it’s no surprise this Slovenian gem is popular with tourists. However, make Bled your spring break destination if you want to see it in a more peaceful light. With the beautiful backdrops of the Julian Alps and the Karavanke, Bled is perfect for adventure-seekers; the hiking, biking, water-sports and canyoning possibilities are seemingly endless. And with its sunny alpine air and thermal springs, this stunning town is great for relaxing walks and romantic picnics.

Book your springtime holiday in Bled

Explore the Outer Hebrides

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This beautiful island chain off the west coast of mainland Scotland is ripe for new experiences and adventures. Away from the light pollution of towns and cities, you’ll find the night sky literally glitters with stars in this area. The unspoilt landscape of Harris and Lewis is otherworldly and will leave you feeling refreshed. Head to the beach at Luskentyre where, on a bright sunny day, you’d easily mistake it for a sun-bleached corner of the Caribbean! Norse, Viking and Celtic influences all combine here to create an intriguing escape from the everyday.

Choose a rental in the Outer Hebrides

See the Northern Lights in the Lofoten Islands, Norway

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If you love the great outdoors, this staggeringly beautiful group of islands is for you. From its excellent fishing opportunities and clear skies for stargazing, to kayaking and spotting sea eagles, this magical destination is one for your bucket list. History-lovers will enjoy finding out more about Lofoten’s connection to the Viking Age, and the Lofotr Viking Museum At Borg is a must see. And as you might expect, the seafood here is exceptional so you’re in for a treat when it comes to eating out.

Look for a stay near the sea in the Lofoten Islands

Go diving in Gozo, Malta

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One of the many great things about Gozo is that, while you can enjoy the peace and quiet of the unspoilt coastline and picture-postcard fishing villages, a wealth of adventure awaits! You’ll find some of the Mediterranean’s best dive sites here, so book a class and take the plunge! Or if you’d rather stay on dry land, explore the many Baroque churches and old stone farmhouses that pepper the countryside. Ġgantija, one of the archipelago’s best-preserved prehistoric temples, is also a must-see. And if you simply enjoy spending the day on the beach before dining out in the evening, Gozo’s cultural calendar and excellent restaurants will keep you more than happy.

See all island stays in Gozo

Be charmed by Colmar, France

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This beautifully preserved town is in a ‘protected area’ so a stay here feels like taking a step back in time – in the best way possible! Its traditional houses, canals, cuisine, famous wines and stunning floral displays make Colmar the perfect place to relax and unwind in. There’s so much going on here, with a diverse range of cultural, sporting and culinary events to be enjoyed.

Other must-see attractions include the Toy museum, the Unterlinden Museum with works of art from the 12th to the 16th centuries, and the The Bartholdi Museum.

Choose a holiday rental in Colmar

The post 10 Europe adventures for the young at heart appeared first on Holiday Lettings Blog.

from News And Tips For Traveling https://blog.holidaylettings.co.uk/10-europe-adventures-for-the-young-at-heart/

[wholockgal]

Flashback Fic: Fade Into You, ch. 2

Summary:

Everyone deals with tragedy in their own way. Some worse than others, especially when their loved ones are literally a (parallel) universe or two away. The angstiest thing I have ever written.

Chapter 1. Chapter 2. Chapter 3. Epilogue. Can also be found on AO3 in its entirety.

Part 2 of the Swaddled ‘Verse, also on AO3.

Chapter 2: Mental Anguish

It nearly broke Mary’s heart to see her best friend so shut off from everything. She knew how much Rose had already lost, and to add not only the baby, but the hope of any future children to the list made her want to cry. Instead though, she managed to keep a neutral expression as Sherlock did something he never did: asked for help.

“I had hoped that being home with Jacqueline would help,” Sherlock explained. “But I just…”

“What can we do?” Mary cut across. “Anything you need.”

“She can’t be alone, I can’t… I can’t trust her with Jacqueline. I came home the other day, and god knows how long she had been left crying as Rose just sat there. Mrs. Hudson tries to help, but she’s less than ideal.”

Mycroft shifted uncomfortably in his seat. “If Jacqueline is unsafe-”

“You are not taking my daughter.”

“I merely meant that-”

“Enough,” John interrupted. “The fact is that Rose needs help. She is suffering from severe postpartum psychosis. It’s rare, but not unheard of, given the situation.”

Mycroft rolled his eyes. “Yes, yes. You’re a doctor, we know…”

“Mycroft!”

~~~~0~~~~0~~~~0~~~~

As had become her custom, Rose sat in the recliner at the window, her knees now tucked up to her chest, her eyes trained on the outside world but not seeing. Never had she felt so empty and alone, but that is exactly what she was.

She had heard the doctor’s words in the hospital as he explained what happened. She understood that it was the only option to ensure her survival; that no matter what the baby would be lost. But knowing something, understanding the meaning of the horrible words, and living with the consequences of them were two completely different things.

This was her life now. She was to become one of those bitter, barren women. Sherlock would have no further need for her. He had been so excited to find out that they were to have a son, and soon enough he would want to experience that again. With someone else. Someone who could actually have his child. Not her.

More than anything, Rose longed for her mother. She would know what to do, what to say to make everything alright again. But that was the rub. Jackie Tyler didn’t exist anymore on this world, and even if she did, she wouldn’t be the same.

Hugging her knees tighter to her chest, a thought occurred to Rose. What if there was a way?

Once the thought entered her mind, it became the only thing that she could focus on. There was no way to predict when she would be able to make a go of it; someone was constantly with her and Jackie. If Sherlock was out, then it was Mary or John, or even Violet and Siger. Mycroft would stop by, but never to stay. From conversations she overheard she knew that Mycroft was keeping an eye on everything from the outside.

And then one day Rose had her chance.

John had just put Jackie down for a nap when his phone rang. There was some sort of emergency with a patient that couldn’t wait. Mary was on her way to take his place, but wouldn’t be there for a few minutes more. Against his better judgement, he asked Mrs. Hudson to keep an eye on Rose and Jackie, calling Sherlock as he left.

Mrs. Hudson had just set a cup of tea next to Rose before stepping into the loo. The second that the door clicked shut, Rose sprang to her feet. Shoving clothes haphazardly into a small bag, she flew upstairs to Jackie’s room.

Throwing the diaper bag over her shoulder, she gathered the sleeping child in her arms and ran down the stairs, pausing when she heard the flush of the toilet. Taking a deep breath she made her way through Mrs. Hudson’s rooms and out the back door, knowing that Mycroft had eyes on the street.

Once in the alley she unearthed a prepaid cell phone from behind a dumpster and sent a text message:

Bad Wolf howling in the wind.

Within 30 seconds, she had responses from nearly a dozen people, all with addresses of safe houses. Choosing one that she knew she could reach without touching a main street or passing a member of Sherlock’s homeless network, she said a silent prayer that Jackie would remain asleep and left Baker Street behind.

~~~~0~~~~0~~~~0~~~~

Three days, seventeen hours, forty-two minutes, and 218 - no - 219 cigarettes later, Sherlock was no closer to finding his wife and daughter than he had been the moment he learned of their disappearance. Scotland Yard was useless, and Mycroft and his connections weren’t far behind. There had been no sign of Rose or Jacqueline anywhere in London, not that he expected there would be.

He could feel his resolve shaking, the mania creeping its way into his head as he imagined countless scenarios of what might have happened. Would Rose hurt herself? Would she hurt Jacqueline? He didn’t want to believe that she would harm her child, but after everything that had happened, after the last two months, he wasn’t confident.

In the following weeks, Sherlock followed every lead he could think of, and each time the trail went cold. It terrified him to think that he might never see them again, but with her connections he was forced to admit that it was a very real possibility. He had suspected that her underground network was keeping her hidden from him, and he hated that there was nothing he could do about it.

~~~~0~~~~0~~~~0~~~~

They had moved locations twice within the city that first night, but once Rose and Jackie were safely hidden away in a Shepherd’s Bush flat, the real planning began. Documents were procured, transportation arranged, and smokescreens programmed for various security feeds around the country should anyone get too close. Everything was in place for their journey, and risk of being caught was minimal at best.

And so it was, six days later, that Rose finally felt a smile cross her face for the first time in nearly 3 months. Setting a squirming Jackie down on the sand, she relished in the glory of feeling the sun on her face, the salty air in her lungs. They had arrived in the one place on Earth that Rose felt might allow her the chance of seeing her family again: Dårlig Ulv-Stranden.

Weeks passed without incident in the small Norwegian town. Rose and Jackie - or Sarah and Toni, as they were known - mostly kept to themselves. Every day the pair could be found on the deserted beach, Rose sitting in the sand, staring at the familiar-and-yet-not dunes, and Jackie running and splashing in the surf or playing happily in the sand.

It was so peaceful there, but Rose still felt a darkness within her. At night, after tucking Jackie in, she would sit outside of their small room and allow her world to crash down around her. She was alone. She and Jackie, it was only them. She prayed to any gods that would hear her for a sign, for a mysterious crack, or a familiar mechanical wheezing. Anything that meant she could go back, go home. All that she wanted was the comfort that only her mother’s arms would bring.

After a particularly horrific night of fitful sleep, Rose reached out to her comrades to inform them of her intent to return to England. The answers she had hoped for did not come, but there was still one more sliver of hope; one place she could go to beg for peace.

~~~~0~~~~0~~~~0~~~~

Six weeks. It had been six weeks since Sherlock last saw his wife, since he last held his daughter. He was beside himself, a shell of himself.

Cigarettes no longer offered any clarity, music no longer provided distraction. Alcohol never held anything for him. Apart from the relief that only seeing Rose and Jacqueline could provide, there was one remaining option.

He had chased everyone away, drawn the sitting room curtains, and sat silently in his armchair. Save for the small plastic bag that he flipped back and forth between his fingers, he didn’t move a muscle.

The pull was so strong, the temptation so powerful. Oblivion. Nothing mattered anymore, not with things as they were. He could give in so easily, free himself from the nightmare that had become his every day. One taste and his mind would be free.

There were so many times that he was sure they had been found. Glimpses of Rose and Jacqueline on closed circuit security feeds, alleged eye witness accounts of mother and child traveling on a bus or train. None had panned out, none proven true. So when John threw open the door with a triumphant cry, Sherlock made no effort to acknowledge him.

“Get up,” John commanded. “Mycroft has a plane- What is that?” His eyes had trained onto the small packet in Sherlock’s hand, snatching it away from him.

Sherlock did not respond.

“Where did you get this?”

Silence.

“How much did you take?”

Silence.

John forced the sleeves of Sherlock’s shirt back, checking for puncture marks; pushed Sherlock’s face up, checking his eyes to see whether his pupils were blown. He heaved a sigh of relief when neither sign was found. “Get. Up.”

“Why?”

“She’s in Norway, Sherlock. She and Jackie. Some small beach town in Norway.”

Sherlock shook his head. He had already considered that possibility, already explored every channel he could find in the region. He refused to open himself to even the tiniest sliver of hope only to have the rug pulled out from under him. Again.

“You go,” he said, his voice hoarse. “If you’re so sure, you go. I’ll just be here.”

“And leave you here? Alone? With this? I don’t think so.”

“I don’t need a babysitter.”

John sighed, sitting down across from his friend. He tried to keep the pity from showing so plainly, but knew he wasn’t completely able to succeed. “No, you’re right,” he agreed. “But you do need a friend. When is the last time you ate something?”

“I had tea…”

“Come on,” John urged, getting to his feet. “Just come to the house, let Mary feed you. Mycroft can handle Norway. Then, you have my word, you can come back here to wallow. Without the drugs.”

~~~~0~~~~0~~~~0~~~~

Jackie toddled across the carefully manicured grass, pulling up dandelions and other wild flowers, blissfully unaware of the turmoil that was wreaking havoc on her mother. The area was deserted, which suited Rose just fine; she needed no further witness to her current mental state.

Instead, Rose focused her attention on the weathered stone in front of her, on the ground beneath her feet. A strangled sob escaped her lips and she collapsed onto her knees, no longer seeing the words engraved on the tombstone:

Here lies Jacqueline Andrea Suzette Tyler.

“Mum,” she choked out. “I need you…”

Rose wasn’t sure how long she sat there, her grief so raw, her body shaking uncontrollably. All she knew is that seemingly out of nowhere she felt Jackie’s tiny arms encircling her neck, her warm cheek resting on her shoulder.

“No cry, mummy.”

“I’m so sorry,” Rose whispered, pulling Jackie onto her lap and hugging her close.

Jackie reached up and carefully wiped a tear from Rose’s face, her face scrunched up in concentration. “Daddy?”

“He’s not here, sweetheart. But d'you know who is?”

Jackie shook her head - and the rest of her body - from side-to-side.

“That right there,” Rose said, pointing to the gravestone. “That’s my mum. This world’s version anyway.” A fresh wave of grief crashed into her at the words, and she pulled Jackie close. “I wish you could have known her, that she could have seen you even once. Oh, god. I’m so sorry, Jackie…”

Rose was at a complete loss. She had no idea what to say, what to do. She had nowhere to go and no one to turn to. The only remaining link to her mother was held tightly in her arms, that warm bundle of energy that exuded life and promise and hope, none of which she herself felt.

Coming here had been a mistake. When Bad Wolf Bay failed her, Rose truly believed that she might feel some sort of absolution, some sort of reprieve at her mother’s gravesite. But the fact was that this wasn’t her mother. It was a Jackie Tyler, but not her Jackie Tyler.

No matter what she did, she couldn’t outrun the demons that had taken up residency in her mind. Everywhere she turned she felt the darkness encroaching on her heart. It wasn’t healthy. Not for her, and certainly not for Jackie. There was only one thing that she could think of to do.

It had to end.

[simonconsultancypage]

Brexit: UK/EU Jump into the Unknown - What’s Ahead?

This is the fifth in an ongoing series of blog posts by Foley & Lardner LLP on the implications of the June 23, 2016 voter referendum in the United Kingdom (“UK”) to exit the European Union (“EU”) (“Brexit”).[1]

As might be self-evident, there is very little certain about “what’s ahead” when one “jumps into the unknown.”  However, this article seeks to provide as much clarity as presently possible by outlining the current status and posing some of the more obvious questions about the implications of Brexit.  As has been a recurring theme in all of the foregoing articles, Brexit means change and uncertainty.  Thus it has been, is and will continue to be an essential priority to consider carefully how to identify and protect one’s vital interests as Brexit moves forward. Literally, the games, which began after June 23, 2016, continue now in earnest.

Where do we stand today?  On March 29, 2017, the UK gave notice under Article 50 of the Treaty of Lisbon that it is withdrawing from the EU.  Pursuant to Article 50, the UK notification triggers a two (2) year period within which the UK and the EU are mandated to negotiate the terms of the withdrawal and their “future relationship.” This period of negotiation or transition can be by unanimous agreement between the EU and the UK.  Failing agreement on the terms of withdrawal and the future relationship during the period of negotiation, the UK will cease being a member of the EU.

Suffice to say, the run-up to the UK notice under Article 50 has been characterized by heated rhetoric, political rancor, lack of transparency and growing complexity on both sides of the Channel.  Here are a few examples:  The UK’s approach to “Brexit” has shifted repeatedly since June 23, 2016 as speculation mounted whether the Brexit would be “soft,”  “hard” or “dirty” as the UK’s position has been characterized by various commentators.  The EU has as well sent mixed signals about its interest and/or willingness to compromise.  Sabre-rattling within the UK (e.g., Scotland), in the EU (e.g., Belgium, France and the Netherlands) has complicated further the negotiation playing field.  Further, some might say as well, that “officious” intermeddling from the United States (whether from Obama or Trump) has not necessarily been viewed by all constituencies as constructive.

Before trying to predict what lies ahead, it is useful to reiterate several basic principles that must be kept in mind.  First, there will be no going back.  While Article 50 does contemplate that a party can reapply for membership, the two sides have, politically speaking, already crossed that bridge.  So, it is fair to assume that the UK and the EU will either agree on the terms of their divorce and their future relationship or at the end of the two-year notice period (and any extensions), the UK will cease being a member of the EU.  In a sense, it’s both that simple and that complex.

Thus, most attention and analysis has focused on the terms of a post-Brexit “future relationship” between the EU and the UK.  As has been discussed here before and as it may be useful to reiterate, the EU evolved directly from the ashes of two great wars in the 20th century.  Seeking to rise above centuries of war, conflict, suspicion, prejudice and isolation (political, economic and cultural), the future European Union began in 1951 to build an institutional basis on peace and economic prosperity could be established. Then, France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg) signed a treaty seeking to merge perceived “essential interests,” to create an “economic community” and to build “institutions which will give direction to a destiny henceforth shared.”  Numerous treaties followed and the membership in the European Union grew to 28, including the UK, which joined as a member in 1973.

Central to the integration developed through these treaties were a number of core principles, including:

The elimination as between member states of custom duties and quantitative restrictions on the import and export of goods and all measures having equivalent effect;

The establishment of a common customs tariff and a common commercial policy toward third countries towards third countries;

Institution of a system ensuring that competition in the common market is not distorted; and

The approximation [harmonization] of laws of the member states to the extent required for the proper functioning of the common market.

That integration process established four so-called essential and immutable “freedoms” – the free movement of people, goods services and capital within a common market.

These “four freedoms” – the free movement of people, goods, services and capital within a common market were both the bedrock on which the EU rested and the decision of the UK to exit the EU.  Simply put, the Brexit vote represented the UK’s rejection of the notion that it shared fundamental interests with the other EU members or that it wished to have its destiny shaped and controlled by the EU institutions that had been created.  Brexit was a declaration of independence.

That said, as the parties are divorcing, they will both by the literal terms of Article 50 and the logic of their separation be establishing their “future relationship.”  Where do the UK and the EU/27 (as it is now becoming known) go from here?  That is the unknown into which the UK and the EU/27 are jumping.

As is widely recognized, there are a number of potential models for the future relationship to which the parties negotiating under the Article 50 mandate can turn.  These include scenarios in which the UK is 1) a member of the European Free Trade Association (“EFTA”) (e.g., Switzerland), 2) a member of the European Economic Area (“EEA”) (e.g., Norway, Iceland and Lichtenstein; 3) a member of a newly negotiated or already existing free trade customs union with the EU (e.g. Morocco, Tunisia, Israel and Turkey, etc.); 4) a member (albeit, a continuing one, of the World Trade Organization (“WTO”) and the European Patent Convention (“EPC”); or 5) a variant of some or all of the above.

Since the June 26, 2016 vote, these potential models have been repeatedly studied and analyzed. These models produce very different outcomes and bump up against some inevitable and unavoidable realities.  The Brexit decision for the UK was premised on several related goals or principles.  First, the UK was no longer prepared to accept as a “basic freedom” the free movement of people from other EU member states within its territory.  It wanted/wants to control its frontiers and regulate who can enter, live, work and receive benefits as a resident of the UK.  It wanted/wants to assert/reassert its sovereignty to govern itself.  It believed that it had ceded and was ceding independence to the European Court of Justice and to other European Union institutions (the Commission, the Council and the Parliament) as a member of the EU.  On the other hand, as it negotiates with the UK on a future relationship, the EU/27 is constrained by its own internal struggles and challenges.  As much as some in the EU/27 might be tempted to give ground in negotiating on key UK flash points (e.g., free movement of people, a supreme European court and central governmental institutions in Brussels), it has limited negotiating room if the EU expects to require adherence to these same four freedom principles and institutional governance structures of its members, post Brexit.

At the outset, one widely discussed alternative for the future relationship is UK membership in the European Economic Area (“EEA”), whose members are presently Norway, Iceland and Lichtenstein.  The problem with that alternative is that it seemingly gains the UK very little in terms of the UK’s stated Brexit goals and, of course, the current EEA members (who would have to consent) may well not want such a large elephant as the UK under their EEA tent.  More importantly, EEA membership requires members to embrace the four freedoms (including the free movement of people), to contribute to the EU budget, albeit at a reduced rate, to abide by most EU regulation, while at the same time having little say or ability to influence the EU legislative process.[2]  At this juncture, the EEA model seems to be a non-starter.[3]

If the EEA is off the table, what are the other alternatives?  Post Brexit, the UK could become a member of the European Free Trade Association (“EFTA”) (like Switzerland).  There are several clear impediments to an EFTA approach.  The EFTA model would not guarantee free trade in financial services, a major economic prerogative for the UK.  Further, the presence of an EFTA court might continue the sovereignty problems that the UK appears to have with an external judicial institution that it perceives today with the European Court of Justice.

A free trade customs union with the EU (like the ones currently in place – e.g. Morocco, Tunisia, Israel and Turkey, etc.) is another possible model that has been mentioned.  However, such a customs union might well frustrate the UK’s desire for an independent commercial policy, including the ability to negotiate free trade agreements with other countries (like that large neighbor of the UK to the west with whom the UK purports to have a “special relationship” and which seemingly at present is dangling the prospect of a potential free trade agreement with the United States in the UK’s face.

Finally, the default option if there were no agreement on the UK’s future relationship with the EU is UK’s continuing membership in World Trade Organization (“WTO”).  This option is clouded by the fact that, since it joined the EU in 1973, it has been the European Commission that has negotiated the UK’s rights and obligations under the many WTO agreements covering goods, services, standards, intellectual property, etc.  This is not a problem-free alternative as any analysis of requirements posed by quotas to be allocated, tariffs to be applied and standard-setting procedures make clear.

As was indicated above, it is not only the UK that faces challenges.  The EU/27 has its own difficult challenges.  It must confront with rising populist and nationalistic movements among its remaining members that, like the UK, seek greater autonomy, greater sovereignty and less, not more control and uniformity from Brussels.  As immigration and economic pressures from the eastern and southern corners of the union intensify, the EU/27 negotiators need to play their cards very carefully in the forthcoming months and years.  It is essential that the EU/27 not squander the economic, political and social values that have been achieved since these nation states sought to merger their essential interests in a destiny shared.  There are the “usual suspects” outside the EU/27 (and the UK) which promote discord and disunion to their own respective advantages and interests.

Thus, in the final analysis, there is great uncertainty as the UK and the EU/27 jump into the unknown.[4]  In any event, as the terms of the Brexit “divorce” and the “future relationship” between the UK and the EU/27 are negotiated, it is essential for one to identify specifically how this process will affect them and to take effective action to seek to protect their interests.

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[1] Prior articles reviewed: 1) developments leading up to the Brexit vote, likely competition law as well as procedural implications; 2) risks/uncertainties for standardization and innovation;  3) possible alternative outcomes posed by Brexit – a hard landing, a soft landing or never-never land; and 4) deal-making to ease or complicate the process.  Links to the prior four Brexit articles posted on the Foley & Lardner Automotive Blog are as follows:

http://ift.tt/2oBdCCq

http://ift.tt/2oBt41G

http://ift.tt/2nOn9Jt.

http://ift.tt/2oB6gyM

[2] While estimates vary, of course, it is widely accepted that EEA member countries are required to and do incorporate hundreds of pieces of EU legislation each year over which they have little say, input or influence. That is not the kind of kind of loss of “sovereignty” that the June 23 Brexit voters envisioned as the result of exiting the EU.

[3] On the other hand, the UK does, despite Brexit, continue to incorporate EU legislation into UK law.  The EU Damages Directive, which was incorporated into the UK Competition Act on March 9, 2017, is the latest example.  Moreover and as we have previously noted, whatever ultimate Brexit outcome may be, there will continue to be, when the UK exits, a substantial body of EU-generated (uniformed, harmonized) laws, regulations and standards. There are literally thousands of such laws, regulations, etc. that affect virtually every facet of UK life, particular UK business life.  Getting rid of “foul-smelling” EU-tainted legislation is likely to be a lengthy and contentious process filled with much uncertainty and disruption and may make little sense given the continued scale-advantages that such uniformity may bring as UK exporters continue to do business in the EU/27.

[4] However, some potential conflicts and concerns are already known and are on the table.  First, there is the major question of the potential due-bill totaling billions of euros which the EU contends the UK must pay to clear its accounts as it departs.  Second, there are the very difficult issues of how to deal with the thousands of EU citizens currently living, working and studying in the UK.  Third, the notion of UK independence from the EU belies the continuing jurisdiction of the EU over activities in the UK that adversely affect competition in the EU/27 (e.g., EU cartel enforcement and the on-going EU investigation of potential illegal UK state aid given/promised to motor vehicle manufacturers to maintain production in the UK that was discussed in the previous blog post in November 2016).  A much longer list could easily be enumerated.

Brexit: UK/EU Jump into the Unknown - What’s Ahead? published first on http://ift.tt/2kTPCwo

[pvffinsdaisies]

Norway Headcanons

Bc I’m inspired ✨

Norway is a very active and outdoorsy person, he loves skiings (which, he’s mastered), hiking, sailing/rowing and figure skating.

Norway is a firm believer that there is no bad weather, only bad clothes. It could be a literal blizzard outside and he’ll still shrug his shoulders and go out to try and ski anyway. He hates being inside on a weekend, and if he doesn’t get out he’ll feel guilty about it or even claustrophobic.

Norway has always felt an incredibly deep connection with the sea, and just water in general, to be honest. There’s something so peaceful and therapeutic about it. He often finds himself longing to be in, on or surrounding by water.

Nor is an adventurer and an explorer at heart!! He loves travelling and seeing the natural beauty of so many different parts of the of the world ✨ he doesn’t really tell people when he’s going on these holidays. If you haven’t heard from nor in a while, it’s entirely likely that he could be at the top of Ben Nevis, or hiking through the Amazon rainforest, or swimming in a random beach in Australia.

that being said, he is a completely different during the winter months. Seasonal depression hits him like a brick, and he’ll spend most days cuddled under blankets, knitting and watching some nature documentary. He tries to get outside for the 2-3 hours of sunlight he gets in the middle of the day, just for the sake of getting outside and not feeling trapped.

Norway never gets enough sleep. Managing to be both a night owl and an early bird. He always goes to sleep far too late and he always wakes up far too early. Coffee is his clutch during the day, and he often finds himself napping on the sofa more than he’d like.

speaking of getting up early, he always likes to get a little read in of his book before he starts his day. The reason he gets up so early is so that he has time to read.

Norway is a huge booknerd, he loves reading. And he’s found reading to be really helpful when he experiences homesickness on his travels. He always likes to bring a book that’s set in Norway, so he can map out the different locations in his mind and truly feel momentarily transported home.

every single time he’s in the UK, he always buys far too many books than he should, but he gets so caught up in how much cheaper they are over here than in Norway. Scotland officially has his own little book shelf for all the books Norway’s bought that he couldn’t fit in his suitcase on the way back home.

he has massive bookshelves back home, and every few months he likes to dedicate a day solely to reorganising them completely. It takes him hours, but he loves it, he finds it weirdly very relaxing.

in terms of things that Norway finds relaxing, he actually does yoga. It’s a great way to clear his head and feel calm. It also helps out with his flexibility. Norway is far more flexible than any man should be.

on paper, Norway lives a very healthy lifestyle. He doesn’t drink that much fizzy pop, he eats a lot of fruit and vegetables, he gets a lot of protein from the sheer amount of fish he eats, and sweet treats and snacks are reserved for weekends.

Norway is very jealousy prone, especially in regard to Denmark & Sweden. Often feeling forgotten about or even under-valued in comparison to them. He hates having too much attention on himself, but if Sweden or Denmark is mentioned he will feel an intense need to prove himself as equal or even better than them.

this also results in him being extremely competitive against Denmark & Sweden.

Norway is actually really good at woodwork, but his skills are always overshadowed by Sweden, who is admittedly far better than him.

however, Norway is the best nordic at knitting! He loves it, and he takes great pride in the things he knits. He actually loves to knit jumpers with Norwegian patterns on for his friends to wear in the winter time. And he basically lives in his many different marius gensers he’s knit for himself.

Norway is a formidable gift giver, he always somehow finds the best present to gift someone for their birthday or for Christmas. He actually prefers to give them hand made gifts too. He will rarely get someone something that’s store bought.

he loves cats and he has two Norwegian forest cats of his own, they’re called Oskar and Mons. His babies 🥰

Norway is extremely non-committal. At least, in terms of relationships. He values his freedoms and his independence far too highly, and he’s absolutely prettified of actually falling in love. He finds it far easier to just have meaningless hook ups that neither part acknowledges in the morning. And if he does date someone, he often runs away before things get serious.

Norway is actually scared of fire, at least really big ones. Small ones are fine. But his cities have burnt down so many times throughout history, and I actually think Norway was a victim of the witch trials too. So a huge bonfire is absolutely a no-go for Norway.

norway has a flat in oslo, entirely for work purposes, a house in Trondheim, which is farrr more homely and he much prefers, as well as a cabin up in Lofoten. The highest honour you could achieve as Norway’s friend is to be invited to his cabin. It’s his private little space to escape to during the summer. No electronics or wifi, just nature.

Norway has dimples, but because he rarely smiles not many people know of them.

of course, we know Norway feels deeply connected to the magic and the folk lore of his home. But he also loves learning about the folklore from other countries in the world too. He always tried to find a book of folktales in every single country he visits.

Norway is a formidable story teller, which is quite good, because he loves passing on his mythology to everyone who cares to listen.

Norway actually has a little nisse friend who lives in his house in Trondheim. He’s an absolute menace sometimes, but nor still loves him. But he’s also developed a habit of blaming this little nisse every single time something goes missing, even if he’s not in Trondheim.

he loves music. He is a formidable singer, and he plays the violin, the electric violin, and the hardanger fiddle.

Norway is great at navigating the sea and mountains, but absolutely dreadful at navigating cities. If he’s going to an unfamiliar city, he will need someone to show him around or he will get horribly lost.